Apple extending AirPlay to low-power, low-latency Bluetooth 4.0

Apple will be enabling future iOS devices to connect to accessories using …

Apple will be providing iPhone, iPad, and iPod accessory developers a way to wirelessly transmit audio and other data to and from Apple's mobile devices using the new Bluetooth 4.0 standard. Apple hopes the low-power, low-latency capabilities of Bluetooth 4.0 will make it more convenient to stream audio to mobile speakers via AirPlay without needing a nearby WiFi network.

Apparently, while the iOS device market continues to grow rapidly, the number of AirPlay-compatible devices is not. So, Apple is making a new version of the chip embedded in iOS-device compatible products that will enable accessories to connect via Bluetooth 4.0.

At least, that is what Apple told attendees of a conference in Shenzhen, China for members of Apple's MFi Program, according to Macotakara. MFi stands for "Made for iPhone," "Made for iPad," or "Made for iPod," and is designed for officially licensed iOS device accessory makers.

Apple began including support for Bluetooth 4.0 in recent MacBook Air and Mac mini updates. The iPhone 4S, released in October, also supports Bluetooth 4.0; it seems likely Apple will support the standard in future iOS devices and computers.

Major benefits of the latest Bluetooth standard include fast pairing, low-latency communication, and low power requirements. The low latency and low power operation would make for a good fit with AirPlay, especially for portable, battery powered speakers. 9to5 Mac also notes that it would make a good fit with a revised Apple TV, allowing better streaming performance for video content or allowing an iOS device to act as a game controller.